In a significant stride toward safeguarding public health, the Nigerian Senate has taken a firm stance against the dangerous practice of using harmful chemicals, such as calcium carbide, to artificially ripen fruits. On May 21, 2025, the Senate, led by Senator Anthony Okorie Ani (Ebonyi South), passed a resolution to amend existing laws to criminalize this practice, describing it as a serious public health risk. This decision has sparked widespread discussions about food safety, regulatory oversight, and consumer protection in Nigeria.
The Problem: Harmful Chemicals in Fruit Ripening
Artificial fruit ripening is a common practice among fruit vendors in Nigeria, driven by the desire to meet market demands and maximize profits. Fruits like mangoes, bananas, plantains, and oranges are often treated with chemicals to accelerate ripening, making them appear ripe and appealing to consumers. The most commonly used chemical, calcium carbide, is highly toxic and contains impurities such as arsenic, lead, and phosphorus. When calcium carbide comes into contact with water, it releases acetylene gas, which mimics the natural ripening process but leaves behind dangerous residues.
According to Senator Ani’s motion, the use of calcium carbide and similar chemicals poses severe health risks. These include:
-
Cancer: Prolonged exposure to arsenic and other impurities in calcium carbide is linked to carcinogenic effects.
-
Kidney and Liver Damage: Toxic residues can accumulate in the body, leading to organ dysfunction.
-
Neurological Disorders: Chemicals like lead can impair the nervous system, causing long-term health complications.
-
Gastrointestinal Issues: Consumption of fruits ripened with these chemicals can lead to stomach irritation, ulcers, and other digestive problems.
The motion emphasized that many vendors are unaware of these dangers, while others prioritize profit over consumer safety. The lack of awareness among consumers further exacerbates the issue, as many unknowingly purchase and consume contaminated fruits. This widespread practice, if left unchecked, could precipitate a public health crisis in Nigeria, where fruits are a staple in many diets.
The Senate’s Response: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Nigerian Senate has adopted a comprehensive strategy to address the issue. The resolution passed on May 21, 2025, outlines several key actions aimed at curbing the use of harmful chemicals in fruit ripening and protecting public health. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Senate’s directives:
-
Legislative Amendments for Stricter Penalties
The Senate has tasked its Committee on Legal Matters with amending existing laws to impose harsher penalties on vendors and suppliers who use harmful chemicals for fruit ripening. This move aims to deter offenders by making the consequences of such practices more severe. By criminalizing the use of calcium carbide and similar substances, the Senate is sending a clear message that public health violations will not be tolerated. -
Investigations and Regulatory Oversight
The Senate has called on key regulatory bodies to step up their efforts:-
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC): The Senate summoned NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to explain the agency’s actions to curb the use of harmful chemicals in fruit ripening. NAFDAC is expected to intensify its monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
-
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: The ministry has been urged to investigate the practice and collaborate with other agencies to develop safer alternatives for fruit ripening.
-
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC): The FCCPC is tasked with conducting regular market inspections to identify and penalize vendors using toxic chemicals.
-
-
Stricter Import Controls
The Senate directed the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Nigerian Customs Service to implement rigorous checks on imported fruits. This measure aims to prevent the entry of chemically treated fruits into the Nigerian market, ensuring that both locally grown and imported produce meet safety standards. -
Public Sensitization Campaigns
To address the lack of awareness among vendors and consumers, the Senate has mandated the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch nationwide campaigns. These campaigns will educate the public about the dangers of consuming artificially ripened fruits and promote safer practices. By empowering consumers with knowledge, the Senate hopes to create demand for naturally ripened fruits and discourage vendors from using harmful chemicals. -
Committee Oversight
The Senate’s Committees on Health and Agriculture have been tasked with overseeing NAFDAC’s response to the issue. This includes monitoring the agency’s investigations, enforcement actions, and progress in curbing the practice. The committees are expected to ensure accountability and report back to the Senate with recommendations for further action.
Why This Matters
The Senate’s resolution is a landmark step toward improving food safety and public health in Nigeria. The use of harmful chemicals in fruit ripening is not just a health issue but also a socioeconomic and ethical one. Here are some key implications of this development:
-
Public Health Protection: By criminalizing the use of toxic chemicals, the Senate is taking proactive measures to prevent a potential public health crisis. The long-term health effects of consuming contaminated fruits could strain Nigeria’s already overburdened healthcare system, making this intervention timely and critical.
-
Consumer Empowerment: The NOA’s sensitization campaigns will play a crucial role in educating consumers about the risks of artificially ripened fruits. Armed with this knowledge, consumers can make informed choices, demand safer produce, and hold vendors accountable.
-
Economic Impact on Vendors: While the move to criminalize harmful chemicals may initially disrupt the operations of some fruit vendors, it could also drive innovation. Vendors may adopt safer, natural ripening methods, such as using ethylene gas or traditional techniques, to comply with regulations and meet consumer demand.
-
Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks: The Senate’s call for stricter oversight by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and other agencies highlights the need for robust regulatory systems. Effective enforcement will require collaboration between government bodies, adequate funding, and the use of technology to detect chemical residues in fruits.
-
Global Trade Implications: As Nigeria tightens controls on imported fruits, it may influence trade practices with exporting countries. This could lead to improved standards for fruit exports to Nigeria, benefiting consumers and aligning with international food safety regulations.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the Senate’s resolution is a positive step, implementing these measures will not be without challenges. Some potential obstacles include:
-
Enforcement Gaps: Nigeria’s regulatory agencies often face resource constraints, including limited personnel and testing equipment. Ensuring consistent market inspections and chemical testing will require significant investment.
-
Vendor Resistance: Many vendors rely on cheap chemicals like calcium carbide to stay competitive. Transitioning to safer alternatives may increase costs, potentially leading to pushback from small-scale vendors.
-
Consumer Awareness: While the NOA’s campaigns are a step in the right direction, reaching rural communities and informal markets will require sustained efforts and innovative communication strategies.
-
Supply Chain Complexity: The fruit supply chain in Nigeria involves multiple stakeholders, from farmers to wholesalers to retailers. Coordinating efforts to eliminate harmful chemicals across this chain will be complex.
To overcome these challenges, the government and stakeholders must work collaboratively. NAFDAC could partner with research institutions to develop affordable, safe ripening technologies. Subsidies or training programs could support vendors in adopting these alternatives. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms and community leaders could enhance the reach of public awareness campaigns.
Join our Whatsapp channel to stay updated always!
ugj5bz